A SHEPSHED teacher has cut off nine inches of her hair to help make a wig for children who have lost their hair because of cancer.

Olivia Smith, 24, is a teacher at St Botolph’s Primary School, and after growing her hair for several years she has had it cut to donate it to the Little Princess Trust.

The trust give away free real hair wigs to both boys and girls that have lost their own hair through cancer treatment or other illnesses.

Olivia said that she didn’t realise how much she had actually had cut off until after she came out of the hairdressers - because neither her or her hairdresser had a tape measure but she was more than happy with the end product.

Olivia said that the minimum to have cut off to donate to the trust is seven inches, and when she measured it when she got home it was 9.5 inches.

She said: “My poor boyfriend got a bit of a shock when I walked down the path as I got home as he didn’t realise I was having it done that day!”

Olivia has been raising funds for the charity after having her hair cut off and has so far raised over £350.

She said: “I took my braided hair into school to show the staff and children and explained why I had chopped it off - the staff were all really complimentary but some of the children said I looked better before - at least they’re honest! I’m delighted to say I’ve inspired some of the children to want to do the same!

“I was so happy with just being able to donate my hair - I never expected to get so many donations to raise money for the charity too!

“I’m so pleased with how much money has already been raised as it costs the charity £350-£500 to buy a wig for one child. I’m just so glad my ‘cut offs’ can go towards making a difference and make a deserving child’s day!

“I would really encourage anyone to do it if they can and really read up on the guidelines. So many people questionned whether I could donate my hair as it was bleached but as long as it is a natural colour and in good condition and at least 7”, you can donate!”